English Language Development

writing types and purposes (text types). Three major types of writing are identified in the CCSS:

Argument/Opinion.^1 A reasoned, logical way of demonstrating that the writer’s position, belief,

or conclusion is valid. Students make claims about the worth or meaning of a literary work or

words and defend their interpretations or judgments with evidence from text. In grades K–5, the

term opinion refers to this developing form of argument.

Informational/Expository. This writing conveys information accurately and serves one

or more closely related purposes: to increase reader’s knowledge of a subject, to help

readers better understand a procedure or process, or to provide readers with an enhanced

comprehension of a concept.

Narrative. This writing conveys experience, either real or imaginary, and uses time as its

structure. It can be used for many purposes, such as to inform, instruct, persuade, or entertain.

Works Cited

1 In the CCSS, argument and opinion are the identified writing types. Although the purposes of argumentative and
persuasive writings are similar, such as to convince others to support a position or policy, the two types of writings are often
motivated by different purposes. Persuasive texts often make claims that are not always substantiated, often appeal to the
audience’s emotions, and may not take opposing views into account. Argumentative writing is focused on substantiated
claims that appeal to logical reasoning and evidence, appeal to the writer’s credibility, and present opposing counterclaims or
rebuttals.

1072 | Glossary